Our suitcases were packed with excitement—suntan lotion, sunglasses, and anticipation filled the air as my family stood in line to board a luxurious cruise ship. We smiled big as we approached the security checkpoint, passports in hand. But then, a problem.

My cousin and her husband were held back. She had unknowingly brought an expired passport, thinking her diplomatic visa—which had worked countless times before—would be sufficient.

“Sorry,” the agent said, “without a valid passport or birth certificate, no one may board the ship.”

With a lump in our throats, we waved goodbye.

They were literally left behind.

This moment serves as a sobering picture of what Jesus warns in Matthew 7:21–23: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (NIV)

Ouch.

That’s not just a warning—it’s a wake-up call.

Because just like my cousin thought her visa would work, many believe their good works, prayers, freedom without repentance, or “spiritual status” will be enough to board the eternal ship bound for heaven.

But Jesus says only those who do the will of the Father will enter. Thankfully, He didn’t leave us guessing. Scripture clearly outlines what it means to be truly saved.

7 Truths That Secure Our “Passport” to Heaven:

1. We Know the Way — Jesus Himself: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6 NIV) In a world full of confusion, we walk with the Answer.

2. We Are Eternally Secure: “…there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 NIV) Jesus alone is the firm foundation of our salvation.

3. We Are Not Destined for Wrath: “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 Thessalonians 5:9–10 NIV) We are promised salvation, not condemnation.

4. We Are Prepared, Not Panicked: “Therefore, stay awake… You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:42–44 NIV) Readiness brings peace, not fear.

5. We’ve Answered the Knock: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock… If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in…” (Revelation 3:20 NIV) We didn’t just hear Him—we welcomed Him.

6. We Believe with Our Hearts: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9 NIV) Salvation is secured by true belief, not outward ritual.

7. We Wait with Joy: “…Christ… will appear a second time… to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:28 NIV) We anticipate His return with joy, not dread.

While the world sinks into fear and uncertainty, we rise with hope—because we know the best is yet to come. Heaven is real. Christ is faithful. And His return is near.

Let’s Pray: Father, I confess that I believed in You and prayed to You. I asked for blessings and longed to be free from guilt and shame. But I failed to fully surrender my life to You. now recognize that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I confess You as my Savior and Lord. From this day forward, I live expectantly for Your return, knowing I will spend eternity in heaven with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have You Made This Decision?

The Bible says: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9 NIV)

Eternity is one heartbeat away. Are you holding the right passport?

Bonus article on today’s topic.

Janet P. Eckles